On politics in the Golden State

Treasurer Lockyer files for divorce after months of controversy

July 16, 2012 | 4:11
pm

California Treasurer Bill Lockyer has filed for divorce from his wife, former Alameda County Supervisor Nadia Lockyer, after a tumultuous period during which she spent time in rehab and made allegations about being beaten by an ex-boyfriend she met at a motel.

The treasurer, 71, filed the papers Friday, citing "irreconcilable differences" in seeking to divorce his 41-year-old wife. They have a 9-year-old son.

"Above all he wants the matter resolved in a way that serves the best interests of his son," said Tom Dresslar, a spokesman for the treasurer. "Second, he wants it handled as privately and as amicably as possible."

At 5:10 p.m. Friday, after the divorce papers were filed, Nadia Lockyer was involved in a car accident near the couple’s home. Hayward Police Sgt. Eric Krimm said she was the sole occupant of the car when it knocked down a light pole before hitting a tree.

The cause of the accident was determined to be inattention to driving because of cellphone use, Krimm said, adding that Nadia Lockyer was taken by ambulance to a hospital for treatment of minor cuts and bruises. He said there was no indication of drugs or alcohol being involved.

Nadia Lockyer resigned from the Alameda County Board of Supervisors in April after a series of controversial incidents. In February, she alleged she was assaulted by her former lover, Stephen Chikhani, in a motel room in Hayward. At the time, she also said she had undergone rehabilitation for substance abuse.

Later, an email from Nadia Lockyer's account alleged that her husband had gotten her addicted to drugs, but she later said that Chikhani had hacked into her personal email and added the allegation, which her husband's office unequivocally denied.